Solvang, California— The Solvang Senior Center has received significant lead-level
contributions from many individuals and local foundations over the past two years. They include
Dr. Virgil Elings, the Ken and Lloyd Mills family and the Holzheu family, the Ann Jackson
Family Foundation, the Hutton Parker Foundation, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians
Foundation, the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation, Christian Science Society Solvang, the Elaine F.
Stepanek Foundation, Glass House Brands, Rio Vista Chevrolet, the Viking Charities, Inc., and
the Wood-Claeyssens Foundation. These donors and others have significantly contributed to the
construction of the new Center, scheduled to begin construction by mid-2023.
Capital Campaign Co-Chair Linda Johansen said, “Our foundation donors have been reliable
partners for the Center for decades, providing annual operating grants for the Center’s activities
and programs. They continue to recognize the critical importance of making an investment to
meet the growing demand for programs that improve the lives of active aging adults in our
Valley for decades to come”.
The Center began its Capital Campaign in 2018 with a kick-off donation of $50,000 from the
Solvang Rotary Foundation. Montecito Bank and Trust matched that amount to become the
campaign’s Lead Business Sponsor. Since then, the Center has raised more than $3.2 million
towards the construction of the new building and to outfit the new center with flexible and state-
of-the-art equipment.
Solvang Senior Center
1745 Mission Drive, Solvang, CA 93463
Media Contact: Ellen Albertoni, Executive Director
Phone: 805.688.3793 Email: ssctr@verizon.net
The new multi-purpose community center will be erected on the same site as the current modular
buildings, which will be demolished as construction begins. The City of Solvang has lent its
support in various ways, including providing a “temporary home” for Center activities at the
American Legion Wing of the Veteran’s Memorial building during the construction period.
“With the City’s strong commitment, we can continue our activities and programs uninterrupted
during construction, which is exactly what our members need,” said Executive Director Ellen
Albertoni, adding “We are in the final planning stages to make our move to the Legion Wing,
and will announce the timing of our move in mid-spring.”
Although located in Solvang behind the Veteran’s Memorial Building, the Center sits on land
leased from Santa Barbara County. The County’s support in granting a fifty-year lease for zero
dollars propelled the momentum toward the construction of a new Center. Once the building
permit is issued this spring, the County will give its final approval and construction will begin.
Co-chair Johansen said “In coming months, additional community fundraising will be required to
reach the necessary financial funding to complete the construction and outfit the building with
the necessary equipment and furnishings for a state-of-the-art facility that our seniors deserve.”
Director Albertoni noted that, in addition, the building will be available for use by the
community.
The Solvang Senior Center has set a goal for membership to grow to include all active aging
adults in the Valley during 2023. “Since announcing our membership campaign in December,
we have 26 new members! Whether purchasing your own membership or gifting one to a senior
in need, we invite everyone to visit our website at www.solvangseniorcenter.org for details about
programs, activities, membership, resources for seniors, and more information about the capital
campaign,” said Albertoni. Valley residents interested in purchasing or gifting a membership can
also call the Center at (805) 688-3793.
